On the deteriorating situation of human rights in Egypt, in particular the case of the activists of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR)
B-9-2020-0437
on behalf of the ECR Group · Rapporteur: Ryszard Antoni Legutko, Anna Fotyga, Karol Karski, Adam Bielan, Ryszard Czarnecki, Angel Dzhambazki, Eugen Jurzyca, Assita Kanko, Joanna Kopcińska, Elżbieta Kruk, Elżbieta Rafalska, Bogdan Rzońca, Hermann Tertsch, Valdemar Tomaševski, Evžen Tošenovský, Alexandr Vondra, Veronika Vrecionová, Charlie Weimers, Jadwiga Wiśniewska
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Parliament's resolution on the deteriorating human rights situation in Egypt, in particular the case of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR). It reaffirms Egypt as a key strategic partner, expresses concern over the arrests of EIPR staff and systemic targeting of human rights defenders, and calls for their release.¶¶¶ It calls on the Egyptian authorities to respect freedom of expression, association and fair trial, to protect Christians and prosecute those responsible for violence, and to review blasphemy laws.¶¶
Key points
- Reaffirms Egypt is a key strategic partner to the EU and its Member States and supports the Egyptian government and people in addressing economic, political and security challenges.¶
- Expresses concern over the arrests and targeting of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) by authorities and calls for the release of all EIPR staff.¶
- Stresses that the EIPR provides an invaluable service to promote personal, political, civil, economic and social rights and freedoms in the country.
- Expresses further concern about reported systemic targeting of human rights defenders and a zero-tolerance approach to dissent by the Egyptian authorities, often under the pretext of countering terrorism.¶
- Calls on the Egyptian authorities to abide by their international commitments and obligations to freedom of expression, freedom of association and the right to a fair trial.
- Reminds the Egyptian authorities that respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and providing space to civil society are enshrined in the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities and essential elements of EU-Egypt relations and the Egyptian Constitution.¶
- Stresses the importance of guaranteeing the equality of all Egyptians, regardless of their faith or belief, and welcomes President Sisi's efforts to protect the Christian minority and to create a new Islamic discourse to challenge extremism and radicalisation.¶
- Calls on the Egyptian authorities, including the military and security forces, to respect the rights of Christians and protect them against violence and discrimination and ensure the prosecution of those responsible.¶
- Calls on Egypt to review its blasphemy laws to ensure the protection of religious minorities from this law.
Who is affected
- Egyptian authorities, including the military and security forces: called on to respect rights, protect Christians and review blasphemy laws.¶
- Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) staff: Parliament calls for the release of all EIPR staff.¶
- Egypt's Christian community: Parliament calls for their protection against violence and discrimination.¶
- Human rights defenders in Egypt: Parliament expresses concern about systemic targeting of them.¶
Figures and deadlines
- 21 November 2020: statement by the Spokesperson on the recent arrests of human rights activists in Egypt.¶
- 27 November 2020: declaration by the group of UN experts (Special Rapporteurs) calling for the release of Egyptian human rights defenders jailed after meeting diplomats.¶
- 20 March 1984: date Egypt ratified the African Charter on Human Rights and Peoples of 1981.¶
- 4 December 2020: date three EIPR members were released following widespread international criticism.¶
- February: month Patrick Zaky, a researcher for the group, was arrested and remains in detention.